Rollins

Race, politics, capitalism, globalization, popular culture. American studies places you at the heart of the 21st century’s most compelling narratives—and at Rollins, you’re given the flexibility to maximize that relevance.

With a focus on four core departments and many ways to tailor your learning plan, you’ll develop a holistic, wide-ranging way of thinking and expression that is increasingly valued by graduate schools and employers alike.

You’ll engage in hands-on learning under the watchful eye of expert faculty, building critical-thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills that will prepare you for a range of graduate programs and for a career in everything from business and law to health care and publishing.


Why Study American Studies at Rollins

  1. Connect with Campus Leaders

    As an American studies major at Rollins, you’ll be uniquely positioned to network with multiple department leaders and seize professional opportunities across campus.

  2. Develop a Comprehensive Perspective

    Your coursework focuses on four core departments—English, history, political science, and sociology—allowing you to investigate American culture and society from multiple angles.

  3. Discover Your Passions

    With a long list of electives and a requirement for coursework outside the core departments, the American studies program is designed to let you explore many different academic disciplines.

Interested in Studying American Studies at Rollins?

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A college graduate poses on campus in her cap and gown.

“Majoring in American studies at Rollins gave me the flexibility to find and develop my interests and then really hone in on what I was passionate about. The major’s interdisciplinary approach helped me build a well-rounded perspective and develop the research, critical-thinking, and communication skills I need to thrive in law school.”

Kalli Joslin ’19

JD Candidate, Georgetown University Law Center

A Rollins student researching American history.

Dive Into American Studies

American studies majors and minors at Rollins learn the role of ideas, discourse, and events in creating American culture.

See What You'll Learn

Rollins American Studies Careers

From law and health care to publishing and education, Rollins American studies grads are making tomorrow happen in an array of fields.

  • Rebecca

    Rebecca Firpi ’15

    Physical Therapist, Orlando Health
  • Elisabeth Hagood

    Elisabeth Hagood ’86

    Attorney, Elisabeth Hagood, Attorney at Law
  • Hannah Horwath

    Hannah Horwath ’16

    MD Candidate, University of North Florida
  • Self portrait of Grace Simpson

    Grace Simpson ’16

    Account Manager, Dotdash Meredith
  • Taylor Thomas

    Taylor Thomas ’16

    JD Candidate, University of Florida Levin College of Law

Real World Experience

From internships and research to community engagement courses, Rollins American studies students hone their skills in the real world.

  • Orlando Ballet
  • National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
  • United Nations Association
  • NYU
  • Mi Familia Vota
  • Winter Park Chamber of Commerce

Popular Courses

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See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

Take a Closer Look

A Day in the Life of a Rollins American Studies Major

“The American studies major allowed me to study a variety of subjects. I learned about everything from African-American history to issues of globalization to the overlap in literature and film. Because of my major and the support of the larger Rollins community, I really learned how to self-advocate and integrate lessons from many disciplines.”

Nicky Lindenberg ’20

AmeriCorps Site Coordinator, Kid Power, Inc.


Beyond the Classroom

Study Abroad Because this major crosses several core disciplines, there are a diverse range of opportunities to study around the world for credit toward the major. As an American studies student, you’ll be encouraged to take advantage of these study abroad programs in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and more.

One-on-One Collaboration As a senior in the American studies major, you’ll spend your final semester working one-on-one with a professor to complete an interdisciplinary capstone project.

Faculty-Led Field Studies Field study experiences connect with work you’ll do in the classroom. So as you learn about American environmental history, you can also visit state and national parks. Or, as you study the literature of Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner, you can visit their homes and tour the lands that inspired their work on a Southern lit road trip.


Students pose for a picture during a field study in Vietnam.

Expert Faculty

Our robust American studies faculty is equipped with a high number of terminal degrees in their fields and a broad range of expertise in interdisciplinary study.

American Studies Program

Carnegie Hall – Room 105
1000 Holt Ave. – 2666
Winter Park, FL 32789

Telephone: 407.691.1273

  • Amy Armenia

    Amy Armenia, PhD

    Professor of Sociology

    Research interests: Intersection of family and work, and the challenges and contradictions faced by those who do paid care work

  • Donald Davison

    Donald Davison, PhD

    Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: Political behavior, American institutions, public policy, and formal theory and methodology

  • Paul Reich

    Paul Reich, PhD

    Professor

    Research interests: Late 19th- and 20th-century American literature, African-American literature, the American West, interdisciplinary studies, and popular culture

  • Claire Strom

    Claire Strom, PhD

    Professor of History

    Research interests: U.S. history, especially American sexuality and the Vietnam War

Rollins College students enjoying lunch by the Lakeside pool.

Experience #RollinsLife

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